California vs Oregon gas prices
Regular gas is $1.01 a gallon cheaper in Oregon — $15.14 on a 15-gallon fill-up. The two share a border, so that gap is worth knowing before you cross it.
Oregon| Grade | CA | OR | Diff. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular | $5.66 | $4.65 | $1.01OR | Oregon |
| Midgrade | $5.89 | $4.91 | $0.98OR | Oregon |
| Premium | $6.08 | $5.20 | $0.88OR | Oregon |
| Diesel | $6.93 | $5.52 | $1.40OR | Oregon |
Where the $1.01 gap actually comes from
50% of it is tax. California charges $0.50 more per gallon in federal and state taxes than Oregon. The remaining $0.51 is a real difference in what the fuel, refining and distribution cost — refinery proximity, pipeline access and state fuel-blend rules.
Fuel, refining, distribution and marginFederal and state taxes Pre-tax figures are estimates — see the note below.
What the gap is worth
Based on today’s $1.01 per-gallon difference, which moves week to week. Use the fuel cost calculator for your own mileage and vehicle.
Prices by metro area
State averages hide a lot. These are the cheapest metros AAA reports on each side.
Other comparisons
Frequently asked questions
Is gas cheaper in California or Oregon?
Regular gas is cheaper in Oregon, at $4.65 a gallon against $5.66 in California — a gap of $1.01, or 21.7%. On a 15-gallon fill-up that is $15.14. Figures are AAA daily state averages for 2026-08-02.
Why is gas more expensive in California?
50% of the $1.01 gap is tax rather than the cost of the fuel. California levies $0.50 more per gallon in federal and state taxes; the remaining $0.51 is a genuine difference in what the fuel, refining and distribution cost.
Is diesel cheaper in California or Oregon?
Diesel is cheaper in Oregon at $5.52 a gallon, against $6.93 in California — $1.40 a gallon apart.
Is it worth crossing from California into Oregon to fill up?
If you are already near the line, yes: a 15-gallon fill saves about $15.14. Driving out of your way for it rarely pays — at $5.66 a gallon and 25 mpg, a 33-mile round trip would eat the whole saving in fuel alone, before your time.